Latrobe's Medicine Shoppe location closes after more than 25 years

After more than a quarter century of business, Sue Schropp, owner of The Medicine Shoppe in Latrobe since 1996, has closed the independent pharmacy’s doors for good.

“I’m excited, but it is bittersweet,” Schropp said. “I made many good friends and with taking care of all the people over the years, they’re more than just patients, they’re actually more like family.”

Schropp decided she was ready for retirement, and will be spending more time with her family.

“I’m 67, it was time. We’re empty nesters but we’re really excited to be able to spend some more time with the family and just relax,” she said.

As an independent pharmacy owner, she admitted it was sometimes challenging to compete with chain outlets.

“It’s kind of getting hard for independent pharmacies,” Schropp said. “We were a franchise, but we were independently owned. I think it’s sad, but a lot of independent pharmacies are closing.”

Schropp looks back fondly on the memories she made at the Medicine Shoppe. She, her pharmacy staff and family have been actively involved in community events, and she sometimes asked them to go above and beyond whenever her pharmacy was involved in a town gathering.

“I made them do a lot because we were always so involved in the community,” Schropp said. “We did a lot with Holly Jolly, the Banana Split Festival and Mr. Rogers Family Days. I’ve made my sons dress up in bunny rabbit outfits, Christmas tree costumes — I put them through a lot, but it was fun. I have to admit that I did kind of torture my sons, and probably my staff too. I made them all do some pretty crazy stuff for community events.”

Although the pharmacy is closed, Schropp intends to continue volunteering for community events and participating in neighborhood committees.

“I want to give a thanks to everyone for trusting me all these years as their pharmacist,” Schropp said. “They meant the world to me, the patients and my staff. I couldn’t have asked for anything better in my life.”